Safety · 11 March 2026 · 5 min read
What To Do After A Car Accident
The practical steps at the scene, what to record, and how to get a damaged vehicle recovered properly.
Stop and make the scene safe
You are legally required to stop. Switch off the engine, put hazard lights on and check whether anyone is injured. Call 999 if there are injuries, if the road is blocked, or if you suspect the other driver is uninsured or under the influence.
Exchange and record details
Before anything is moved, gather:
- Names, addresses and phone numbers of all drivers
- Vehicle registrations, makes and models
- Insurance details
- Photographs of the damage, positions and road conditions
- Details of any independent witnesses
Do not drive a damaged car
Fluid leaks, damaged lights, a bent suspension arm or a misaligned wheel all make a vehicle unsafe and potentially illegal to drive, even if it appears to move. Have it recovered instead.
Getting the vehicle recovered
We collect damaged vehicles and deliver them to a bodyshop, a garage or your home. If you do not yet know the extent of the damage, we can take it into Stockport Mechanics for an inspection first.
Keep reading
More recovery advice
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What To Do If Your Car Breaks Down
A calm, practical order of actions for the moment your car stops — where to stop, how to stay safe and what to tell a recovery operator.
Safety
What To Do If You Break Down On A Motorway
Motorway breakdowns are the highest-risk situation a driver faces. Here is the sequence that keeps you safe, including on smart motorways.
Advice
How Much Does Car Recovery Cost?
What actually drives the price of a recovery or transport job, and why a quote over the phone needs a few specific details.
Broken down right now?
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